CONTEMPT OF COURT

When criminal proceedings are active, you have a responsibility to adhere to the 'innocent until proven guilty' rule of British law.

If you publish material online which could prejudice an imminent or ongoing jury trial, you could be prosecuted for contempt of court and sentenced to a maximum of two years' jail and/or an unlimited fine.

Prejudicial material includes, but is not limited to:

► information about a suspect or defendant's previous convictions

► statements about a suspect or defendant's character

► suggestions a suspect or defendant is guilty

Journalists are entitled to report on criminal proceedings – but they must comply with strict reporting rules outlined in the Contempt of Court Act 1981. Professional journalists are trained in contempt of court legislation. Most users of Facebook and Twitter, for example, are not.

Criminal proceedings are no longer active when:

► an individual is acquitted

► an individual is sentenced

► the proceedings come to an end in some other way

IN SHORT: When criminal proceedings are active, keep your comments to yourself.